Ancient vicuna wool-shearing tradition lives on in Peruvian Andes


By AGENCY

Vicunas live at least 3,500m above sea level. Photos: Carlos Mamani/AFP

At daybreak on a freezing cold day high in the Andes, dozens of Peruvian peasants clamber up a mountainside to carry out a centuries-old tradition of shearing the highly-prized wool off vicunas, which are relatives of the llama.

One week each year, the peasants of Totoroma, a village 50km to the southwest of Lake Titicaca, join forces for a process of herding and shearing known locally as the chaccu.

Subscribe to The Star Yearly Premium Plan for 30% off

Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Full access to Web and App.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.39/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Living

Saving an island from being swallowed by the sea
All you need to know about cat fleas
Thai cuisine is thriving in China
4 Malaysian bars on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list, Penang bar wins best menu
Blind management trainee wins Malaysia's first typing contest for the visually-impaired
Drivers are finding it harder to see out of newer cars, survey finds
Katz Tales: No more bathing the cat, hooray!
Elegant Fine Caviar: Malaysian-owned caviar from a sturgeon farm in China
Vanilla ice cream threatened by climate change
Enjoy an authentic Japanese yakiniku experience at Kyomo, which turns 10 this year

Others Also Read